Highest-Grossing Franchises Adjusted for Inflation
The franchise industry is a major force in the global economy, with thousands of brands operating in a wide range of industries. Some of the most successful franchises have been around for decades, and their revenues have grown exponentially over time. However, when comparing the success of different franchises, it is important to take inflation into account.
The following is a list of the highest-grossing franchises adjusted for inflation, according to data from Franchise Times:
- McDonald’s ($274.4 billion)
- Subway ($21.5 billion)
- Starbucks ($20.3 billion)
- Dunkin’ Donuts ($18.4 billion)
- KFC ($17.9 billion)
- Pizza Hut ($17.1 billion)
- Taco Bell ($16.9 billion)
- Burger King ($16.7 billion)
- Domino’s Pizza ($16.5 billion)
- Wendy’s ($16.2 billion)
As you can see, McDonald’s is by far the highest-grossing franchise in the world, with revenues that are more than double those of its nearest competitor, Subway. However, it is important to note that McDonald’s has been in business for over 60 years, while many of the other franchises on this list are much younger.
When looking at the highest-grossing franchises adjusted for inflation, it is also important to consider the size of the franchise system. McDonald’s has over 38,000 restaurants worldwide, while Subway has over 44,000. This means that McDonald’s has a much larger customer base than Subway, which contributes to its higher revenues.
Another factor to consider is the type of franchise. McDonald’s is a quick-service restaurant, which means that it offers a limited menu of items that are prepared quickly and inexpensively. This type of franchise is typically very profitable, as it can generate high sales volumes with relatively low operating costs.
In contrast, Subway is a sandwich shop, which means that it offers a wider variety of items that are prepared to order. This type of franchise is typically less profitable than a quick-service restaurant, as it requires more labor and ingredients.
Overall, the highest-grossing franchises adjusted for inflation are those that have a large customer base, a profitable business model, and a strong brand reputation. These franchises are able to generate high revenues year after year, even in challenging economic conditions.


